Maternal mortality. A global perspective
Ghosh, M.K.
Journal of Reproductive Medicine 46(5): 427-433
2001
ISSN/ISBN: 0024-7758 PMID: 11396367 Document Number: 536347
Despite difficulty in collecting data and prevailing underreporting and misclassification, data collection by the World Health Organization shows that more than half a million maternal deaths occur globally every year; 99% occur in developing countries and 1% occur in industrialized ones. The maternal mortality rate is highest in sub-Saharan African countries, followed by South Asian countries. Compelling evidence suggests that a reduction in maternal mortality on a short-term basis is possible only by providing modern obstetric care to the 15% of pregnancies that develop complications and making such care available in time. For long-term reduction and prevention of maternal death, preventive measures should be started before conception and should be continued during pregnancy and the postpartum period.